A short session on the rocks produced plenty of dogfish for Rob Scoines and myself. Conditions seemed perfect with the seas having settled nicely following the weekend storms. A pleasant surprise was this near specimen rockling of 1lb 9oz that fell to Rob along with pollock of a couple of pounds. There a bound to be a few spurdog and bull huss about but getting through the dogfish and small conger is as always a challenge.
Top picture – Chris Waddham 7lb and lower picture and cod competition leader with a total length of cod 1.39m Paul Chidgy 15lb12oz
Daniel Hawkins reports from up Channel that fishing has been mixed with cod hard to find at times. Big shoals of herrings are bringing the spurdog close inshore where they are being tempted along with ray, conger, huss and good numbers of whiting.
(Above) 30lb conger Dan Cook
(Above) spurdog to the rod of Pete Richards
Work is progressing well on Reel Deal 2 that will be taking anglers out of Ilfracombe next summer when shark will once again be on the agenda.
See pictures below
Thirty five anglers braved hostile conditions to compete for an array of fine prizes in Bideford and District Angling Clubs Christmas Open.
Eighteen flounder were brought to the scales.
Winner of the competition was Ian Hooper with a fine Torridge Estuary flounder scaling 1lb 73/4oz. In runner up spot Terry Dymond with a flounder of 1lb 13/4oz and third J. Andrew with a flounder of 1lb 11/2oz. In fourth was Paul Burslem with a flounder of 1lb 1/8oz and fifth P. Allin with a flounder of 1lb 3/4oz.
Tommy Taylor took the top two places in the Junior section with two flounder of just under 1lb.
The first spurdog of the winter season have been caught from rock marks along the coast. These toothy predators should be around for the next couple of months at least and have become the go to species since the decline of cod in North Devon waters. Chay Boggis landed this 5lb fish during a twelve hour session at a deep water rock mark.
Looks like we could be getting some stormy conditions early tomorrow which will hopefully stir up the coastal waters and ensure some good fishing during the coming week. I would expect to see a few decent conger, huss and spurdog caught along with the chance of a big blonde or small eyed ray. Probably wise to use a wire trace to present that big chunk of fish or squid always the chance of a tope plus those spurdog have some sharp teeth.
Weather Warning from Met office (Below)
A spell of strong winds is expected affect the far south of England and Wales on Sunday morning and early afternoon with the highest winds expected in Bristol Channel coastal areas. Some short term loss of power and other services is possible, as well as some delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges. It is likely that some coastal routes, sea front and coastal communities affected by spray and/or large waves.
Just some of the prizes up for grabs in the Bideford Angling Club Christmas Fishing competition. Many thanks to Summerlands, Anglers Haven, Ian Hooper, Mark Watts & Sons, Griggs of Eastleigh and DS Electrical for their generous donations. There will also be some meat dinners up for grabs too. Sign in at the Reds Rowing Club from 7 til 8 fishing 8 til 3 and weigh-in at the reds at 4.30. All entries £5 with optional pool of £1.
Jon Patten fished in Tanzania with North Devon angler Colin Joy who I reported on earlier this week. Jon landed this fine giant trevally weighing 61.8KG ( 136LB)
Weight via formula 61.8 kg Caught in Tanzania on a live Yellow fin Tuna
Globe Trotting North Devon anglers Colin Joy and Jon Patten travelled to Tanzania in search of some exotic foreign specimens to test their tackle. They had an unforgettable adventure boating some magnificent fish. Colin sent me these stunning images that shine a little warmth into these dark cold winter months.
(Above) dorado 40lb +
(Above) 30lb ruby snapper
(Above) 85lb swordfish
